OPERATION ARTEMIS AND THE HON MEMBER FOR NORTH WILTSHIRE

Early day motion 755, tabled 3 March 2004 by Lord Stratford (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House warmly welcomes the launch of Operation Artemis by the police and other partners to combat the illegal persecution of hen harriers which face extinction in England as a result of illegal killing; completely rejects the comments by the honourable Member for North Wiltshire that tackling wildlife crime is a waste of time; is appalled at the ignorance of his claim that the decline of hen harriers in England and Wales is due to breeding difficulties unless he attributes that failure to deliberate nest destruction by gamekeepers; and calls upon the Conservative Party to repudiate his comments and back Operation Artemis which has widespread support.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 4, Labour/Co-operative 1.